8 Post-Workout Supplements for Faster Recovery and Better Results

Let's face it: Gains don't come easy. After a tough workout, like chest and abs or a heavy leg day, your body needs to recover so soreness can dissipate and your muscles can grow. Time heals, but taking too many days off can halt progress. That's where post-workout supplements come into play. But with so many options, where do you start?

It's important to know a few things about amino acids and proteins, so we'll try to explain this simply, without getting too scientific. Proteins are made of amino acids — some of which our body can produce itself — and others that must come from outside sources. Branched chain amino acids, or BCAAs, are some of the amino acids that we have to find in outside sources. BCAAs are super beneficial for muscle repair, especially for athletes. This is why some people prefer BCAAs after a workout.

Another common post-workout supplement is whey protein. Whey is considered a complete protein, which means that it actually includes all the essential amino acids that our body needs (BCAAs included). As noted by Sports Medicine Journal in 2017, whey protein, when consumed after workouts, is digested quickly and used by worked (damaged) muscles to repair and build fibers. Other proteins, such as soy or casein powders, don't have the same amino content as whey. So if you're adding a whey supplement to your post-workout regimen, a BCAA powder may not be needed, unless your body craves a double dose of BCAAs.

We've put together a list of highly rated post-workout supplements, including BCAAs, whey proteins, and some other blends. Add one to your daily regimen to help your body recover more quickly, so you can spend less time wishing for gains, and more time enjoying the results.

After a tough day in the gym, some people prefer a protein powder, while others prefer BCAAs. Promix has heard your request, and they deliver the perfect blend: 30 grams of grass-fed whey, 6.9 grams of BCAAs, and just 2 grams of sugar per serving.

Promix prides itself on using only the highest quality natural ingredients, free from soy, corn, gluten, GMOs, hormones, or other bleaches or additives. It's one of the purest mixes you can get, and we think it's well worth the price for the peace of mind to know what you're putting in your body.

We love this unflavored option, which goes great with just about anything: smoothies, shakes, and homemade protein cookies or pancakes!

Vega created this supplement to help with six elements of recovery. It's designed to replenish energy and electrolytes, reduce inflammation and muscle and joint pain, boost the immune system, initiate protein synthesis for muscle growth, increase muscle glycogen resynthesis, and reduce recovery time. What else could you possibly want?

How about the peace of mind in knowing that it's also plant-based, gluten-free, and vegan, so there's no guessing game about what you're putting into your body.

The key ingredient in Legion's Recharge supplement is creatine monohydrate, which is shown to help boost strength and build muscle quickly. Add a scoop to your protein shake for a drink that's aimed at big, fast results.

This whey formula is jam-packed with nutrients, so it's super-efficient at building muscle and breaking down fat. Each scoop of Optimal Nutrition's Gold Standard Whey has 24 grams of top-quality whey protein, 5.5 grams of naturally occurring BCAAs, and 4 grams of glutamine.

This 5-pound tub is less than $12 per pound, which is about average (most 5-pound protein-powder containers cost between $55 and $60 for close to 75 servings). Our daily favorite is this Double Rich Chocolate flavor, but we like to switch things up with their cake batter or banana options from time to time, too!

When you’re looking for quick recovery from an intense workout, MusclePharm’s BCAA Powder will jump-start the process.

Engineered for the hardworking athlete and fitness enthusiast, this powder packs 6 grams of BCAAs that your body doesn't naturally produce. When combined with a protein powder, this is a great way to boost muscle repair and building.

Jym is one of the leading post-workout supplements on Bodybuilding.com, with an average of 9.5 stars (out of 10) from over 1,300 reviews! Users praise this supplement for its ability to speed up recovery so you can easily build more muscle.

Its formula includes 6 grams of BCAAs, 2 grams of beta-alanine to boost muscle power, and small amounts of betaine and taurine for endurance.

This supplement contains 5 grams of BCAAs, additional amino acids like L-glutamine and betaine anhydrous, and multiple types of creatine. By amping up recovery, you'll help your body build strength and endurance. Take this right after a heavy lifting day — you'll leave the gym energized and ready to crush your next gym sesh in no time.

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Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com for over two years; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.